Rescue trailer used in wildfires stolen

AUSTIN (KXAN) - A search-and-rescue trailer that was used during relief efforts for the Steiner Ranch and Bastrop fires was stolen early Tuesday morning.

The trailer belonging to TEXSAR was last seen at 7:15 a.m. in its spot in the parking lot of the search and rescue team’s office building on Pond Springs Road.

Board member Brandon Goering found only a padlock when he arrived at 9 a.m. and the lock had obviously been cut.

"It looked like it has been cut with some pretty good size bolt cutters," said Goering.

The trailer contained nearly $5,000 in equipment such as shovels, lights, harnesses and other items the volunteer team used during relief missions.

"It had all our equipment," said Goering. "Everything we needed to do our job."

Goering says the trailer usually was stowed in a storage unit, but the constant demand forced them to keep it someplace where it would be readily accessible at all times of the day.

"The community has been very generous to help us attain these things and now we are back to square one," said Goering who says volunteers will likely open up their garages and wallets to help replace the items that were stolen.

Anyone who sees the trailer is urged to call Austin Police Department at 512-974-5000, or 3-1-1 if an Austin resident, or call TEXSAR at 512-994-4727.